Knocking down the kinetic barriers towards fast-charging and low-temperature sodium metal batteries

Current knowledge on Na metal anode has been limited on its room-temperature or high-temperature (molten Na-S system) performances. However, the properties related to its low-temperature and fast-charging performances are rarely covered. Herein, we show that, using a conventional carbonate-based electrolyte, needle-like Na deposits sprout at -20 degrees C with a spiking impedance of similar to 2.8 x 10(4) omega observed in symmetric cell configuration, making an early failure of the battery within tens of hours. By knocking down the kinetic barriers of Na+ ion de-solvation and its subsequent diffusion through the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), we enable flat and spherical Na deposits at -20 degrees C with a massively reduced interfacial impedance. This has been realized by using (i) a weakly solvated electrolyte that shows a low solvation energy towards Na+ ions, and (ii) a Na15Sn4/NaF biphasic artificial SEI for promoting unhindered Na+ ion transfer at the Na metal/electrolyte interface. Ultimately, a high-voltage Na/Na3V2(PO4)(2)O2F battery is developed to stand low temperatures down to -30 degrees C and fast charging up to 30C. The design strategy provided herein underlines the simultaneous de-solvation and SEI control for achieving low-temperature and fast-charging sodium metal batteries and presents as a prototype of how the kinetic barriers can be overcome under extreme conditions.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates the development of a high-voltage Na/Na3V2(PO4)(2)O2F battery that can withstand temperatures as low as -30 degrees Celsius and fast charging up to 30C. By utilizing a weakly solvated electrolyte and a biphasic artificial SEI, the researchers have successfully achieved low-temperature and fast-charging performances for sodium metal batteries. The design strategy highlights the importance of de-solvation and SEI control in overcoming kinetic barriers under extreme conditions.